Borage (Borago officinalis), often admired for its striking star-shaped blue flowers, is much more than just a pretty plant in Australian gardens. Valued for its edible leaves and flowers, borage is increasingly embraced by home cooks and gardeners alike for its unique flavor and versatility. If you’re curious about how borage can be enjoyed in Australia, here’s a fresh look at its edible uses and why it’s worth adding to your garden and plate.
What Makes Borage Edible?
Borage offers both leaves and flowers that are safe and enjoyable to eat. The leaves have a mild cucumber-like taste, while the flowers carry a sweet, honey-like flavor. This makes borage a refreshing addition to many dishes and beverages.
Culinary Uses of Borage in Australia
- Leaves: Young borage leaves are tender and can be added raw to salads or chopped finely and mixed into cream cheese, cottage cheese, or herb sandwiches. They can also be cooked like spinach—steamed, sautéed, or added to soups and sauces. Because mature leaves can be a little hairy, chopping them finely or cooking helps improve their texture and flavor.
- Flowers: The vibrant blue flowers are often used as edible garnishes for salads, desserts, and cocktails. Australians enjoy floating borage flowers in drinks like Pimms or fruit punches to add visual appeal and a subtle cucumber note. They can also be candied by dipping in egg white and sugar, perfect for decorating cakes and sweets.
- Herbal Teas: Both leaves and flowers can be brewed into a mild, refreshing tea with calming properties.
- Cooking Ingredient: Borage pairs well with poultry, fish, cheese, and most vegetables. It complements herbs like dill, mint, and garlic, enhancing the flavor profile of many dishes.
Growing Borage for Edible Use in Australia
Borage is a hardy, easy-to-grow herb that thrives in Australian gardens. It prefers sunny spots and well-drained soil but is adaptable to various conditions. It self-seeds readily, so once established, it often returns year after year with minimal effort.
- Planting: Sow seeds in spring or autumn depending on your region.
- Harvesting: Pick young leaves before the plant flowers for the best texture and flavor. Flowers can be harvested as they bloom throughout the growing season.
- Pollinator Friendly: Borage attracts bees and other beneficial insects, helping to improve the health of your garden ecosystem.
Nutritional and Medicinal Highlights
Borage is not only tasty but also nutritious. It contains omega-6 fatty acids, potassium, and antioxidants. Traditionally, it has been used to soothe inflammation and support skin health, adding an extra layer of appeal for those interested in natural wellness.
Popular Australian Recipes Featuring Borage
One standout is borage risotto, where fresh borage leaves and flowers add color and a subtle cucumber flavor to the creamy dish. Borage also shines in salads, herb sandwiches, and as a garnish on desserts and drinks.
Borage is a versatile and delightful edible herb that Australians are increasingly incorporating into their gardens and kitchens. Its unique flavor, ease of growth, and multiple uses—from fresh salads to herbal teas—make it a wonderful plant to cultivate and enjoy. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your garden or add a fresh twist to your meals, borage is a fantastic choice.